Laurie Daley open to NSW Blues return

Former NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has revealed he is open to a return as the representative team's head coach after reports linked him to the coaching job.

This comes after incumbent coach Brad Fittler announced his shock resignation last week, stepping down from the role.

Last week, the Herald reported that Daley has strong allies behind the scenes who are aiming to get him the head coaching job once again.

“I'm getting told there is a push for you behind the scenes to become Blues coach,” Danny Weidler said on Sky Sports Radio's ‘Big Sports Breakfast' on Tuesday morning.

“I'm not saying that you're driving it and you're responsible for that but there are people rallying support for you behind the scenes. That's a fact.”

Following Weidler's comments on the radio program, he pressed Laurie Daley on what he would say if the NSW Blues asked him to return and coach the representative team.

The coach of the NSW Blues from 2013 to 2017 with a 40 per cent winning rate, Daley reportedly has strong relationships that could get him back in the hot seat.

Unfortunately, when Daley was in charge, it was in the middle of Queensland's incredible run of 11 series wins in 12 years, which included several future Immortals such as Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer and Greg Inglis.

“I've said all along I'm always happy to help where I can and I was prepared to help Freddy and it surprised me when Freddy withdrew because I would have loved to have been a part of him helping New South Wales,” Daley said.

“I've said along if people thought I could help out I would help out in any role. Coach could be an option, being a mentor, being in a leadership role, whatever it may be. I'm always happy to help where I can.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Boyd Cordner of the Blues and Blues coach Laurie Daley speak at a press conference after game two of the State Of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on June 21, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

It is understood that NSWRL Chairman Paul Conlon, along with NSWRL Chief Executive Dave Trodden, are extremely close friends of Daley and are fans of his coaching ability to lead the NSW Blues over Queensland in the State of Origin arena.

However, Conlon told the Herald that he has yet to have a discussion with Daley after Brad Fittler left the NSW Blues head coaching role.

“I'd be surprised if he wants to do it,” Conlon said.

“But I don't know. I do know that we had half-a-dozen people wanting the job straight after Brad resigned – something I'm sad about as he did so much for the organisation. I do have all the respect and time for Laurie, but I don't have more to say than that.

“What is clear is that NRL coaches won't be excluded, as had been the case in the past, opening the way for the likes of Ricky Stuart, Craig Bellamy or Ivan Cleary if they want the job.”